Vacuum contactor operation with parallel connection of independent consumers

Abstract

Abstract This work presents a model of a transformer substation with parallel connection of independent consumers via vacuum switches. Several options of an electric arc model are considered upon switching off a vacuum switch such as: KEMA model and “black box” model. Modern computer models of vacuum switches were analyzed. Since the model data were not suitable for the conditions of the experiment, a simulation computer model was developed that reflects the specifics of the operation of the substation and of the transition process upon disconnection of one or several vacuum switches. The results of the developed methodology of analyzing transition processes were verified. To check the results of computer simulation, an experimental model was constructed, it consisted of: an electric load (inductive nature), a power supply, two vacuum switches, and a measuring circuit. The circuit is switched on and off using a pneumatic system controlled by a microcontroller. The primary purpose of the work is to check mutual influence of vacuum switches upon parallel disconnection, since there may be a restrike caused by effects of switching overvoltage between neighboring switches upon irregular disconnection. The effects of a transition process in one switch on the total current of the entire system were identified. A stand for a projected trial was demonstrated as well.